La Thai Cuisine closed its Metairie Road location and opened Uptown on Prytania Street in the space that once housed Felix's.

Justin Pittenger is the new chef at 7 on Fulton in the Riverfront Hotel. He replaces Michael Sichel, who left to pursue other interests.

Big Al's Seafood replaces Fire in the lower Garden District.

Uptown's venerable Camellia Grill at Riverbend is expanding to Baton Rouge. Owner Hicham Khord is opening a branch of the diner in the trendy Perkins Rowe, an upscale condominium complex in the heart of Louisiana's capital.

Gimchi, a new Korean restaurant, has appeared on the scene on North Turnbull in Metairie. The name is another way of spelling the Korean national dish also known is kimchi.

Former Longbranch chef/owners Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing have opened MiLa in the Central Business District. The menu marries the cuisines of Mississippi and Louisiana. Look for dishes like New Orleans-style barbequed lobster and hush puppies with blue crab fondue.

Vincent Marcello has bought and closed French Quarter favorite Maximo's. He plans to reopen the restaurant early this year after renovations, which will include new balcony tables overlooking the Quarter, are complete. Paul Cattoche will remain as chef.

Chad Penedo (Nautical, Ye Olde College Inn) was promoted to executive chef at the Court of Two Sisters, home to one of the most beautiful courtyards in New Orleans and host to daily jazz brunches.

Matt Dwyer, a Charlie's Steak House server and bartender, has purchased the 75-year-old landmark and plans to refurbish the exterior. Dwyer, who has lived next door to Charlie's for 14 years, plans on keeping several of the restaurant's signature dishes.

New sushi spot Takumi has opened in the Uptown space once home to upscale bistro Table One. Ambitious entrées feature spiny lobster, king crab, and sea urchin.